PandaRef Helper
A local Windows companion that lets PandaRef read advanced clipboard formats from Word and Excel.
What it is and when to use it
Helper is a small background service for Windows. It reads native clipboard formats when the browser or Word task pane cannot retrieve them reliably. It does not replace the add-in and is not a standalone editor.
In practice, use it when bringing rich content copied from Word or Excel into PandaRef, especially Office charts. Next, pandaRef still displays the interface and saves the figure; Helper only provides the local format requested by the add-in. Then, the service runs on this computer (localhost); Helper does not upload clipboard contents to a remote server. Finally, if it is not installed, the regular paste-as-image workflow remains available.
Chart capture workflow
Helper looks for a reusable Office representation of copied content alongside preview formats. For some Excel chart workflows, paste the chart into Word first so the add-in can retrieve a compatible representation.
In practice, copy the chart or content in Word or Excel. Next, in PandaRef Web, open Figures and create or edit the record that will contain it. Then, use the available paste, capture, or bring-changes action; the add-in asks Helper for the native Office format when needed. Finally, review the preview, title, source, and project before saving. Finally, if no reusable format is detected, insert the figure as an image.
Installation and status
The Windows desktop package installs Helper in the current user profile and can configure it to start with Windows. Its local API lets PandaRef check availability and request a clipboard read.
In practice, download the official Windows desktop package that includes Helper. Next, run the installer for your user and follow its instructions. Then, keep the service running while capturing Office content. Finally, if it stops responding, close and restart Helper from the package shortcut; reinstall only if the issue persists.
Privacy, limits, and common issues
Helper reads the Windows clipboard only when PandaRef requests it through the local API. It does not automate Word using OLE/Interop or turn every third-party format into an editable object; results depend on what the source application placed on the clipboard.
In practice, copy the chart again immediately before capture so you do not use stale clipboard content. Next, if you see “Helper unavailable,” confirm it is installed and running, then retry. Then, if the format is unsupported, paste the figure as an image and keep the original Excel file for future edits. Finally, do not change local service settings unless support asks you to.